Mandarin Pasta Salad

These recipes are from Lipton actually, but I got them from a Pampered Chef party back when a friend of mine was a consultant. Ireally love pasta salads!

Mandarin Pasta Salad

Dressing:

1 tsp finely chopped, peeled, fresh gingerroot
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/3 cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 envelope Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix
2 tsp. sugar

Whisk together. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Salad:

8 oz. uncooked bowtie pasta
1/2 cucumber, scored, seeded, sliced
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup coarsely chopped red onion
1 pkg. (6 oz.) fresh aby spinach leaves
1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
2 cups diced, cooked chicken
1/2 cup toasted, sliced almonds

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water.Place in large bowl.Add eggies, chicken, oranges and almonds to pasta. Pour dressing over salad and oss to coat. Serve immediately.